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Our History

About the Middle Management Association

Who we are

Middle Management Association (MMA) is an independent, unaffiliated public employee union representing supervisors and managers employed by the State of Minnesota. Since 1980, we have been the exclusive representative for state supervisors across all agencies and levels, advocating for fair wages, benefits, and working conditions.

What Makes MMA Different

Independent and unaffiliated

MMA is not affiliated with any national union, larger labor organization or political party. We answer only to our members—Minnesota state supervisors and managers. This independence allows us to focus exclusively on the unique needs and concerns of supervisory employees.

Proven track record

From our founding, MMA has successfully advocated for supervisors on critical issues like wage compression, fair compensation, and workplace equity. Our landmark 1979 arbitration victory established important precedents for supervisor pay that continue to benefit members today.

Member-driven

With 88% of state supervisors choosing union representation in our founding 1980 election, MMA has a strong mandate. We are governed by our members and exist to serve their interests in collective bargaining and workplace advocacy.

What We Do

Collective Bargaining

We negotiate comprehensive labor agreements with the State of Minnesota on behalf of all supervisory employees. Our contracts address wages, benefits, working conditions, and other terms of employment.

Representation & Advocacy

MMA represents members in grievances, workplace disputes, and disciplinary matters. We advocate for supervisor interests with state leadership and the Minnesota Legislature.

Benefits for Dues-paying Full Members

We offer scholarships to full members and their dependent children, professional development reimbursement programs, and resources to support career growth and work-life balance.

Local Associations

MMA maintains local associations throughout state government agencies, providing members with grassroots support and connection to colleagues facing similar workplace challenges.

Our Commitment

MMA is committed to ensuring that Minnesota state supervisors receive fair compensation, competitive benefits, and respectful treatment in the workplace. We work to maintain strong labor-management relationships while never backing down from fighting for what our members deserve.
As an independent union, we maintain low dues and high accountability to our members. Every decision we make is guided by the needs and priorities of the supervisors we represent.

Key milestones in MMA's early history

  • MMA secures a landmark decision on MnDOT wage compression

    • MMA is a small local association for 200 MnDOT supervisors
    • Landmark arbitration decision, by Arbitrator Tom Gallagher (Ron Rollins representing MMA), seeks to address the impact of COLA calculations on DOT supervisors’ wage compression.

  • MMA wins the right to represent all state of Minnesota supervisors

    • MMA and Minnesota Supervisor’s Union (an AFSCME spin-off) petition the state Bureau of Mediation Services to hold an election that will determine the future of state supervisors’ union representation. 
    • MMA wins the election with 88% of the vote and grows from 200 MnDOT supervisors to 2500 supervisors and middle managers statewide.

  • MMA bargains the first statewide supervisor contract

    • MMA begins the work of addressing wage compression for all state supervisors and other supervisory disparities in labor rights and job protections.

  • Going strong for over 40 years!

    • MMA now represents nearly 3,000 supervisors across more than 40 state agencies, colleges, boards and commissions and covering hundreds of job classifications and diverse work environments. 
    • We continue to negotiate strong contracts and advocate for the professionals who lead Minnesota’s public workforce.

Ready to learn more?

Contact us or explore member benefits to see how MMA supports Minnesota’s state supervisors.